Following on from Monday’s post, we thought we’d do a close up on one of the shops featured on the Vintage Walking Map: Betty Blue Hat.

The shop is no 9 on the map and is located upstairs here at Loveone.

Jess Bradley, owner of Betty Blue Hat has been instrumental alongside Cathy in bringing the Vintage Map to Ipswich. She is even the talented lady who drew and designed it! So today we thought we’d interview Jess and get her to tell us a bit more about Betty Blue Hat.

How would you describe Betty Blue Hat?

Seller of all manner of vintage and retro furniture and homeware.

How did Betty Blue Hat come about?

I’ve always had a fascination with 1950s/60s homeware and design, and had collected pieces for myself for over 15 years. The time came when it seemed only natural to try and turn my passion into a business. I started with a few local vintage markets to test the water, and after about 12 months an opportunity came along to join Cathy at Loveone…which I jumped at! It meant I could grow the business and I’ve been upstairs for 18 months now.

How do you search for items/ what’s your selection criteria?

I search many different places, carboots and junk shops are my favourite but I do go to auctions and am lucky enough to have people approach me via the shop.

I think I have refined what I am looking for over the last 18 months of being at Loveone. I am getting to know my customer and learning what sells and what doesn’t! There is a lot of vintage out there, and the hardest part is learning what not to buy! But the main criteria I go by when I source items for the shop is that I have to love it myself.

What would be your ultimate vintage find?

That’s a tough one…but I would say any ceramic piece by Stig Lindberg.

What’s your favourite piece in the shop currently and why?

I think it has to be the framed artwork I’m making from illustrative tiles from a vintage child’s game…it’s nice to be doing something a bit different, I’m usually working on furniture so this makes a nice change.

Thanks so much to Jess for being today’s interviewee!

Betty Blue Hat is open Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm.

You can also find them online at www.bettybluehat.co.uk where even more vintage gems can be found, especially larger furniture items. The website also includes details of upcoming markets which Betty Blue Hat will be attending. Plus details of Betty Blue Hat’s vintage china and glass hire – perfect for creating that memorable event.

Or if you are looking for something vintage in particular then give Betty Blue Hat a call on 07766 306990 and they will do their best to find it for you.